Pakistani girl becomes Canadian 'ambassador for a day'

Canadian High Commission introduces 'Ambassador for a Day' to celebrate Women's Day

ISLAMABAD:

The High Commission of Canada in Pakistan celebrated International Women's Day 2023 by hosting its first-ever 'Ambassador for a Day' event on March 15. The event provided a unique opportunity for a young Pakistani woman, Nida Khan, to experience the day-to-day responsibilities of a Canadian diplomat.

During the event, Nida Khan met with Canadian diplomats, engaged with international donor agencies, foreign and Pakistani officials, and participated in various activities that gave her unique insights into the workings of a diplomatic mission. She also joined various meetings with the High Commissioner, where she had the opportunity to ask in-depth questions and meet the changemakers who are working to create positive change in Pakistan.

The High Commissioner of Canada to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Her Excellency Leslie Scanlon, expressed her excitement and said, "We are thrilled to launch the Ambassador for a Day event and to provide a unique opportunity for a young woman to experience the world of diplomacy first-hand."

The event aligns with Canada's feminist foreign policy, which promotes gender equality and women's empowerment. According to a press release, the High Commission of Canada hopes to inspire young girls and women in Pakistan through this initiative to pursue their dreams and make a difference.

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Nida Khan, a young and ambitious student from Chitral, aspires to become a diplomat one day and represent Pakistan. As a passionate advocate for women's rights and inclusion, especially in sports, Nida hopes to learn more about the role of diplomacy in addressing these crucial issues. The Canadian High Commissioner noted, "We are confident that Nida will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, and we look forward to a fruitful and engaging day with her."

Moreover, Nida Khan managed the Canadian High Commissioner's Twitter account for the day, sharing her unique experiences with the public, in line with the Government of Canada's theme for this year's International Women's Day, "Every Woman Counts." The theme is a reminder that all women, from all ages and walks of life, have a place in every aspect of society, including the economic, social, and democratic spheres.

The Ambassador for a Day event aligns with Canada's commitment to promoting gender equality, inclusion, and the promotion and protection of human rights through its bilateral international development initiatives. It is a part of the High Commission's ongoing efforts to engage with local partners and communities to achieve the overarching goal of nurturing inclusion, equitable access, and equal opportunity.